According to Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins, working with Tuomas Iisalo has been phenomenal. He and the players praise the Finn’s skills.
Simo Arkko,
Antti-Jussi Sipilä
Finnish NBA history was seen on Thursday morning Finnish time, when the Memphis Grizzlies Tuomas Iisalo coached his first victory as a head coach at the expense of the Lakers.
Iisalo, 42, has worked as Memphis’ assistant coach during the early season, but he became the head coach by Taylor Jenkins to be sidelined by the death of a loved one.
In Europe, Iisalo, who conquered the Champions League with Bonn, seems to have impressed head coach Jenkins as well as the players.
– It has been phenomenal to work with Tuomak, Jenkins tells Urheilu.
– He has great views. He loves basketball and has great insights on life, learning and how to challenge yourself to become better.
Unique style
Jenkins got to know Iisalo during the summer. He soon realized that he could use Iisalo’s skills to become a better head coach. Jenkins highlights, among other things, Iisalo’s thoughts on training.
– He has had a unique style especially with his last two European teams. We’re trying to take that forward with this team. The players have reacted really well.
Jenkins has already praised how Iisalo’s views on the attacking game have been brilliant. The offensive game has been Iisalo’s responsibility and the head coach has learned a lot from the Finn.
– Pace, principles and ball control in the attacking area. We have learned a lot from him.
– It has been very unique and different compared to what we have done before. I’m very excited how the players have embraced it and how he’s led in these things.
Adapted seamlessly
When talking about Iisalo, many soon bring up the workload of the Finnish coach. So does Jenkins, who says how much Iisalo has also studied common things in the North American game for many years.
– His adaptation has been very seamless. He knows what he’s getting into.
As Jenkins said, the players have bought into Iisalo’s ideas. Rookie player for Memphis Zach Edey praises the Finn’s skills.
– He is a great and really cool guy. He has brought with him things I have never heard of, Edey tells Urheilu.
According to Edey, the most significant things about the attacking game can be seen in the so-called screens.
– A lot has to do with ball screens, such as reading situations. Not only for the ball handler, but also for the screener. He’s been really good at them.
– The most important thing is simplicity. Sometimes in the attacking area you can start doing a little too much or focus on the wrong things. He is very clear, wise and principled. He has helped a lot, Desmond Bane in turn says.
Head coach?
Bane also highlights Iisalo’s level of professionalism. He praises how Iisalo has been successful as a coach everywhere.
– He also cares a lot.
Do you think he would be qualified to be an NBA head coach one day?
– I believe that we have a lot of guys who can end up being selected for different jobs, Bane says.
– It seems that everyone around the league is getting opportunities. I can definitely see him achieving something like that with us.